July 31, 2023

MKS Instruments announced the release of the Atotech CMA Closed-Loop System for alkaline zinc nickel plating. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, this technology enables virtually wastewater-free operations while minimising waste generation and reducing carbon footprint.

This technology is a closed-loop system that functions as an all-encompassing solution, covering every aspect of the alkaline zinc nickel plating process, including rinsing. It features compact membrane anodes (CMA), custom chemical additives, a vacuum evaporator, and a freezing unit, resulting in a significantly reduced environmental impact, enhanced product quality and a longer lifespan for the electroplating line.

This innovative technology prevents the formation of organic breakdown products such as cyanide, leading to a substantial reduction in sludge formation. The integrated freezing unit plays a crucial role in purifying the electrolyte by eliminating accumulated carbonate. This ensures exceptional quality and improved performance throughout the plating process. Additionally, the evaporation system separates the zinc nickel electrolyte from water, at which point these products are recycled back to the plating tank and rinsing stations. As a result, the disposal and treatment of zinc nickel wastewater is reduced by 90 per cent.

“We are excited to introduce the Atotech CMA Closed-Loop System, a game-changer for the zinc nickel plating industry. Rather than relying on the expensive and unsustainable wastewater treatment methods that are currently in use, this system eliminates waste generation from the very beginning,” said Sabine Sengl, global product director CP, MSD at MKS. “With its exceptional performance and environmental benefits, this system sets a new standard for sustainable zinc nickel plating.”

The system enables a higher cathodic current efficiency of 20 to 30 per cent, with rack plating reaching 65 per cent and barrel plating achieving 80 per cent cathodic current efficiency. Energy consumption associated with the compact membrane anode technology can be reduced by 32 per cent, significantly improving the carbon footprint. In addition, the technology brings substantial savings through reductions in NaOH, chemical and metal consumption.

In recognition of its outstanding performance, the Atotech CMA Closed-Loop technology was recently certified by TÜV Rheinland, a globally recognised independent testing service provider. This certification, obtained as part of the evaluation of electroplating lines from MKS customers, quantifies the wastewater and rinse water reduction as well as the CO2 footprint. It confirms the reliability and accuracy of the data collected by MKS.